Vancouver based naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan, and Kongsberg Maritime developed a remotely-operated fireboat that will allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more efficiently.
The unmanned RALamander fireboat aims to keep marine firefighting professionals out of harm’s way. Fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels can be dealt with more quickly in situations where toxic smoke or explosion risk may obstruct manned vessels from responding effectively.
RALamander’s control system will also leave the door open to a range of autonomy levels, which are configurable or future-upgradable to suit the operator or port’s evolving needs.
Furthermore, RALamander offer new ways to maintain and operate a port firefighting asset. Since RALamander can be operated remotely, commercial entities such as tug or pilot boat operators may provide better fire protection services to a port since personnel are less exposed to risks.